We have been to Utah before but mainly northern UT to Moab and surrounding area, basically driving through the rest of UT to get to our destination, so this was a treat to visit some of the other beautiful cities. Our first stop was Provo UT for 2 nights. This afforded us the chance to take a drive through Provo Canyon toward Heber. Wow, what a pleasant surprise. We were not prepared for this amazing scenery, ingenious road designs and, of course, the Bridal Veil Falls. Bridal Veil Falls provided us the opportunity to walk the quiet, cool trail up to the falls and then a leisurely stroll along the river. After spending some quality time there, we continued on the canyon drive through the high rising, twisting road. I was sure Rob was not going to forgive me as we approached roads reaching higher and higher. But he did. This can be rather challenging for someone with a height phobia. But I had no idea when we started out on this drive. I suggested we turn around and head back home for the day. After all, he does do all the driving everyday (by choice) so I felt like he needed a break.
Next on our agenda was St. George, UT. Oh my! this place is awesome. It is near the border of AZ and stunning beauty. The three days we were there were busy ones. We were in the Red Cliff Recreation Area and many trails awaited us. The only thing holding us back was the heat. It was in the 90’s, not exactly hiking temps but we planned them out so we wouldn’t do more than 2 miles at any time we were out. Downfall was that Baxter couldn’t join us because of the heat. He loves to go hiking with us. Not bad for a 15+ year old dog.
To the south of us was Snow Canyon. https://www.visitutah.com/places-to-go/parks-outdoors/snow-canyon-state-park. Being prepared for a hike on a hot day is key, so with maps and water, boot and walking sticks, we hit the dirt. We were beyond pleased when we found a trail leading to a slot canyon. What hiker doesn’t love finding and exploring slot canyons? This was a small slot canyon but provided us with its beauty, cool air and excitement. When we were done on this trail we were weren’t ready to quit so we continued on and found another trail that led us to a wall with writing from the late 1800’s written in axle grease. For a smaller recreation area in comparison to the many NP surrounding us, it did not disappoint.
To the north of us was the trailhead to the Red Cliff Recreation Area with a campground and multiple trails of different degrees of difficulty. In this heat the basic was difficulty enough for us. The trail we took said it was a short trail to a water fall (that is when they have rainfall, but not this year). Be sure find out the definition of short before starting out! I must admit had we not taken this trail we would have missed some stunning sights. Luckily we were able to find adequate shade along the way and we returned back at the car safe and sound. We took in all the sights of the canyon before heading home. It may be a small canyon but it is huge as far as then a sights go.
Our time in Utah has come to an end for this year and we head to AZ but before we land for the winter we still have several stops to make to complete our trip. During our stay in MI this summer we became friends with Dave and Sue Straub, from Kingman, AZ. They had invited us to come see them any time we were in the area. Hmmm, I think we just might be in the area so we made plans to see them. They were very gracious to extend us the use of their yard (electricity and water too). It’s not too often you get an invitation like that. It was a great visit, even though it was a short one. Salena, their 4 legged companion is such a joy to be around also. Thank you Dave and Sue.
Before we got to Kingman, AZ we had to come through Nevada via the Lake Mead National Recreation area (Hoover Dam). This would prove to be another challenge for Rob as he drove over the dam, which by the way, he did just fine. As we approached Lake Mead we were taken by surprise at what we saw. It was so depressing to see the lack of water! It has been bad for years but the current drought has surely had repercussions here. Boarded up homes, dry marinas, and signs of deterioration.
Our time in Kingman having ended left us with one more stop before Mesa, and that is Cave Creek Regional Campground for a few days. Cave Creek, AZ is a cowboy town with modern touches and the SP is a great place to relax, hike and take in the beauty. We did a bit of exploring but the temps kept us from going too deep into the desert.
Our Mi to AZ journey has ended for 2021 and what a journey it has been. We saw small town America at its finest, visited places we had never heard of, saw pitch black night skies with endless stars, wheat and corn field that went on forever, drove roads that seemed like they had no end, met people that were full of life and glad to see you, ate some of the best foods we have had in awhile and put 3200 miles on the rig. It's time to settle down for a bit so we will be calling Mesa home for the winter. You can bet there are many places out there for us to explore but only when the temps cool down. It's good not to be rolling for awhile but come spring, the itch to hit the road will creep up on me. Until then, we'll keep it local.
I hope you find yourself in a good place physically, spiritually and emotionally. Love and live like there is no tomorrow....today is a gift to treasure so make the most of it. Get outdoors, and don't forget to look up, it truly is amazing up there.
